RT Treatment

I am on day 19  (of 20) of my RT. Don't worry too much about it. I have had delays, cancellations, last minute appointments on a Saturday - the odd delay won't make any difference to the package of treatment. It can be a little bit frustrating/disappointing at times but you will get there. Just set the whole of your treatment period aside for that alone.  The staff at my treatment centre are great, they do all they can to get everyone done asap. They have 6 Linacs, they need servicing and they will "break down" at times - the staff work around it.

Hello Dionne, yes, we had this twice,if I recall correctly. The first time was on my husbands first day - like yourself, postponed for one day. The second time was on a Monday morning. They opened up the department to find it flooded from a burt water pipe on the floor above. They made good this missed appointment by operating on the following Saturday morning.

the problem, is, I think, more psychological than physical. You get all geared up, want to just get it over and done with and then it’s pushed back- even an extra day waiting seems too long when you’ve been building up to this for weeks and/ or months :(

Yeah - we found the staff were the very best you could possibly hope for! I’ve always said that the only difference between the NHS radiotherapy service and a private service was that we did not get free coffee and there were no carpets on the floor! The efficiency and care were second to none!

Good Morning DivonneS 

I thought just the same as you as I had my first fraction cancelled due to a machine breakdown and the second machine at my centre in Oldham was under routine maintenance.

The staff were amazing though all through my treatment - we had delays, but there was always someone to chat to in the waiting area, plenty to read and even a large jig-saw to help complete.

I think we were running to capacity as appointment times could be anything from 7.30am to 8pm but no one complained, especially when they were running very late and Prostate "clients" who had used their enema were pushed up the list to be seen first!!

My RT was at The Christie in Oldham and I have nothing but praise for all the staff.

You will be fine, they will look after you.

Best wishes - Brian.

My husband had a couple of sessions cancelled because of machine maintenance or breakdown which is unfortunate only in terms of pushing the course to 2 days longer. As we were having to live away from home due to the distance to travel we were keeping everything crossed that no more breakdowns occurred - he had 33 sessions in 7 weeks so an extra day would have pushed us into another weekend away. The staff are exceptional and if you have any bowel or bladder problems during treatment then speak up and they will help all they can.

Hi

When I was having my RT we were never postponed, but the machines regularly 'stopped' half way through the cycle. The RT team quickly ran back in, did something technical ( involving hammers?) and off it went again. There were 2 machines, and, occasionally, one would break down and everyone went through the remining machine. 

Timings will slip so I wouldn't rely on them. The reception team in Poole were very good at keeping us up to date.

I feel your frustration as, I'm sure, all you want is to get it over with. But once you get on the 'sunbed' it will go quicker than you know!

Regards

Stuart

I have a 95 mile round trip for each session - today should have been session 19 (of 20)..............BUT.......a large lorry tried to go through a small railway bridge and closed my line today. I rang the unit, they cancelled my appointment and gave me one on Sat morning. I SHALL drive down !!!  As I said before, the staff are great - well done Southampton !

Hello moonrakerz 

Totally off topic here - but i am curious as to your user name. The reason being one of my daughters lives in Middleton (a part of Rochdale) and folk who live there are called "Moonrakers".

The tale being in the past when things were all sepia, the locals having drunk more than an "elegant sufficiency" thought the reflection of the moon in the local lake was a lump of cheese and tried with rakes to get the "cheese" out of the lake!!

i do hope your last 2 fractions go to plan.

Best wishes - Brian.

Millibob,

I fear that the good folk of Rochdale may be trying to "borrow" my cultural heritage !

See:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moonrakers

They were both sober and crafty !!

I use a "z" on the end as someone beat me to it with the "s" for use on the web.

Many thanks for the best wishes,

M

Hello moonrakerz 

Interesting - as it's the same story without the hidden alcohol!! Knowing the people of Rochdale you may be right!! .

Thanks for the link - I love "stuff" like that - I do think your claim is more valid than theirs!!

Best wishes - Brian. .